The village of Rijal Alma (literally meaning “the brightest men”) in Saudi Arabia’s southern Asir region is preparing to be registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

According to a Saudi Press Agency statement on Sunday, “the Commission for Tourism and National Heritage is exerting strenuous endeavors, showing the importance of registering Saudi Arabia’s rich archaeological and heritage sites on the UNESCO cherished World Heritage List.”

The kingdom hopes to highlight its cultural dimensions and introduce the world to the historical value of its natural heritage.

“The Commission has taken note of the path of registering heritage sites on the World Heritage List as an important activity that contributes to highlighting the Kingdom's cultural heritage worldwide, as well as preserving the rich historical, archaeological and heritage wealth of the Kingdom and henceforth qualifying these sites, according to the standards recognized by specialized international organizations,” the statement added.